03.27.17

Scott, Murray Condemn President Trump for Weakening Accountability for Students, Parents, Teachers and Communities

President Trump signed two resolutions jammed through Congress by Republicans that weaken both the Every Student Succeeds Act and accountability for teacher preparation programs

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), ranking member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee released the following statements today on President Trump signing two resolutions that significantly weakens both the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act and makes it more difficult for teacher candidates to make informed decisions on the quality of their teacher preparation programs.

“I am disappointed by the actions of Congressional Republicans and President Trump who used the Congressional Review Act to undermine public education by jeopardizing implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act,” stated Representative Scott. “The accountability rule provided clarity and interpretation of ESSA’s core requirements to ensure schools and states provide a quality education to every student. The rule was necessary for full and faithful implementation that aligns with Congressional intent and honors the civil rights legacy of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. By blocking this rule the Trump Administration inhibits states in their efforts to move forward with timely submission of their ESSA plans, as the rule established clear criteria and timelines for their submission. The Trump Administration must now move quickly to provide states and school districts with technical assistance and guidance necessary to uphold Congressional intent and implement the law’s core provisions. The rollback of the accountability and teacher preparation rules will strip the Department of Education from using its statutorily provided authority under two bipartisan education laws.”

“I am disappointed – but not surprised – that President Trump is following the lead of Congressional Republicans in retreating from the bipartisan commitment made in the Every Student Succeeds Act that put in place strong federal guardrails to help prevent students from falling through the cracks,” said Senator Murray. “In signing these resolutions, President Trump confirmed what we learned in Secretary DeVos’ confirmation hearing: strong accountability in our public schools and our teacher preparation programs is not a priority of this administration.”

Press Contact

Arika Trim: (202) 226-0853 (Scott)
Mairead Lynn: 202-224-5398 (Murray)